DALES businesses are putting in place preparations to welcome the UCI Road World Championships, with everything from giant pork pies to glittery window displays created by local children.

It’s now less than 40 days to go until the global cycle race arrives in Yorkshire.

In Pateley Bridge in Nidderdale, businesses have already begun their preparations. The race will pass through the town on two separate occasions, with the Men’s Under-23s race heading through the town on Friday, September 27 and the Women’s Elite race on Saturday, September 28.

One of the town’s family-run butchers, Weatherhead and Sons, on Pateley Bridge High Street, is planning to create a giant UCI pork pie, decorated in cycling-related images, which will take pride of place in their shop window. The business - which is run by Andrew Weatherhead and has been in his family for five generations - is famous for its pork pies.

It is hoped the event will also bring more visitors and holiday-makers into the Yorkshire Dales. Businesses across the Yorkshire Dales are keen to stress they remain open for business since floods hit parts of the Dales.

People have been urged to continue supporting its pubs, cafes, shops and hotels as they recover from the recent severe weather.

Volunteers, local residents and council staff have been out in communities helping provide relief aid and support to stricken communities since last week’s intense rain, which swamped roads and surrounding land and overwhelmed drainage systems. Rivers carrying debris, including stones and boulders added to the destructive force of the water.

The water completely destroyed a masonry bridge on Grinton Moor, which formed part of the race route. Work on creating a temporary replacement crossing has already begun. It is hoped the temporary replacement will enable the race to take place along its existing, publicised route.

Kirsty Hannam, of Visit Nidderdale, said following this week’s devastating floods, an event like the UCI Road World Championships was important in showing people the Yorkshire Dales is still open for business.

“Pateley Bridge and Upper Nidderdale survived the recent flooding relatively unscathed, and we stand in solidarity with our sister Dales who have been worst affected,” she said.

“All of Nidderdale’s businesses, tourist attractions, and transport links are open and welcoming visitors as usual.

“This is a crucial time of year for the local economy, so if you have an existing booking please don’t cancel. Check with your accommodation provider for further information.

“If you haven’t booked yet, but were planning to visit the Dales this summer, we have a huge variety of places to go and explore.”

North Yorkshire County Councillor for the Nidderdale ward, Cllr Stanley Lumley, said; “Pateley Bridge is one of the many picturesque dales communities the road race will pass through this September and is planning a fantastic welcome for the race.

“The widespread, global coverage the race brings with it - nationally and globally - is guaranteed to bring visitors back to this picturesque, welcoming town time and again to explore this beautiful area, long after the race has finished.”